Margaret A. Muir (1872, Three-Masted Schooner)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Margaret A. Muir
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: Hanson & Scove Shipyard, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Owner: Captain David Muir
• Type of Ship: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Dimensions: Length: 39.62 metres (130 feet) Beam: Estimated at 9.14 metres (30 feet) Depth: Estimated at 3.66 metres (12 feet)
• Primary Trade: Great Lakes grain trade, though she transported various cargoes over her 21-year career.

Construction and Career

The Margaret A. Muir was built at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, specifically designed for the grain trade on the Great Lakes. Grain was one of the most significant bulk cargoes of the 19th century, and schooners like the Muir were vital to connecting inland agricultural regions with urban industrial centers.

Throughout her career: She operated across all five Great Lakes, carrying a wide variety of cargoes, including coal, lumber, and grain. She was known for her durability and reliability, common traits of schooners from the Hanson & Scove Shipyard.

Final Voyage and Sinking

The Margaret A. Muir ended her 21-year career on an unknown date in 1893, reportedly off Algoma, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan.  While details surrounding her loss are scarce, her sinking was likely caused by typical maritime hazards of the time, such as severe weather, shifting cargo, or a collision. The wreck lay undiscovered for over 130 years until maritime historians successfully located her remains.

Discovery of the Wreck

• Date Found: May 12, 2024
• Location: Off Algoma, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan. The exact coordinates have not yet been publicly released.
• Search Team: Maritime historians from the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association, including Brendon Baillod, Robert Jaeck, and Kevin Cullen.
• Search Techniques: The team used historical newspaper accounts to identify a probable search area. A high-resolution side scan sonar was deployed to confirm the wreck’s location, revealing the remnants of the Schooner.

Wreck Description

The wreck lies in a well-preserved state, as is common for wooden vessels in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan.  The Hull and decking remain intact in several areas. Evidence of the vessel’s rigging and fittings suggests that it sank with some of its original equipment still aboard. The Schooner’s cargo hold may offer insights into her final voyage, possibly revealing the type of cargo she carried when she went down.

Historical Significance

The Margaret A. Muir is a prime example of the sturdy wooden schooners that were the backbone of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

Economic Role: These vessels facilitated the flow of essential goods—such as grain, coal, and lumber—during a critical period of regional industrialization and agricultural growth.

•Architectural Heritage: Built by the Hanson & Scove Shipyard, the Muir showcases the craftsmanship and shipbuilding expertise of Manitowoc’s storied maritime industry.

Next Steps

The Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association plans to collaborate with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Archaeology Program to:

• Nominate the wreck site to the National Register of Historic Places.
• Document and preserve the wreck for future study and public education.
• Promote awareness of Wisconsin’s underwater cultural heritage.

Resources & Links

For further details about the Margaret A. Muir and updates on the nomination process:

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks – Margaret A. Muir
• Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association
• Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Archaeology Program
• Zac Whitrock – Sketchfab
• CNN – Locating the Margaret A Muir

Conclusion

The discovery of the Margaret A. Muir marks an exciting chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, shedding light on the schooners that once ruled the waters of Lake Michigan. Her preservation and planned nomination to the National Register of Historic Places ensure that her story will continue to be shared and studied for generations to come.

Margaret A. Muir (1872) by Zach Whitrock on Sketchfab